Review Highlights Ubiquinol’s Role in Enhancing Fertility

A recent review published in Nutrients underscores the essential role of ubiquinol in promoting fertility for both men and women. The study draws attention to the connection between oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and declining reproductive outcomes, with a particular emphasis on the quality of eggs and sperm as well as reproductive aging.

Dr. Emma Derbyshire, an independent scientific consultant and co-author of the study commissioned by Kaneka, stated, “The review explains that ubiquinol plays a dual role in reproductive physiology, driving mitochondrial bioenergetics and providing potent antioxidant support at the cellular level.” These functions are crucial for several fertility indicators, including egg quality, sperm motility, morphology, and density, as well as early embryo development, all of which are vital for successful conception.

The review notes that ubiquinol serves as a potent antioxidant, essential for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) energy in the mitochondria. However, there is an age-associated decline in the body’s ability to synthesize ubiquinol, which may lead to insufficient internal production to meet cellular needs in both genders.

Linking Ubiquinol to Reproductive Health

Sperm cells, which depend heavily on mitochondrial energy for movement, can be adversely affected by oxidative stress. Similarly, egg quality is closely tied to mitochondrial function; eggs are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress as they age. The findings of this review suggest that healthcare practitioners should consider incorporating ubiquinol into nutritional strategies aimed at addressing male and female infertility, especially for those facing reproductive aging and fertility preservation issues.

Professor Sergej Ostojic from Texas Tech University and co-author of the study emphasized the need for further well-designed research focusing on the role of coenzyme Q10 and its related compounds in fertility. Infertility is a complex condition, with rates increasing globally, as noted by the World Health Organization, which reports that 1 in 6 individuals may encounter fertility challenges.

Factors contributing to infertility include oxidative stress caused by natural aging, lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity. Additionally, exposure to environmental pollutants can directly harm gametes, resulting in reduced numbers and compromised quality of eggs and sperm.

While there are no established official intake recommendations for ubiquinol, food sources such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy are significant contributors. Individuals adhering to plant-based diets may be at risk of lower ubiquinol intake. The review suggests that to mitigate sperm damage and enhance motility, a daily intake of 200 mg of coenzyme Q10 (as ubiquinol) could be beneficial, potentially rising to 400 mg for those facing significant fertility challenges. Nonetheless, there is no consensus on the optimal dosage or duration of ubiquinol therapy.

Clinical Perspectives on Ubiquinol

The review highlights the clinical relevance of ubiquinol’s superior bioavailability and efficacy compared to oxidized coenzyme Q10. As the main biologically active form, ubiquinol is readily available for mitochondrial energy production. The authors of the review advocate for more data on long-term ubiquinol intake using food frequency questionnaires across various European regions to create a comprehensive understanding of habitual consumption patterns.

“Greater efforts are needed to educate healthcare professionals and consumers about the importance of ubiquinol, how it can be obtained, and the life stages during which its supply is most critical,” the authors stated. If dietary sources do not provide sufficient levels of ubiquinol, supplementation may be necessary, particularly during key life stages such as conception, pregnancy, and advanced maternal or paternal age. Food supplements can play a crucial role in addressing these gaps and improving fertility-related well-being.

In response to the review, Alpesh Doshi, a consultant clinical embryologist and co-founder of IVF London, noted that the findings align with clinical observations. He remarked, “The idea of ubiquinol being conditionally essential during reproductive years is interesting and reflects what we see clinically, that internal production may not always meet demand, especially with advancing maternal or paternal age.”

Doshi emphasized that while ubiquinol may not be necessary for everyone, its importance in diet and lifestyle becomes more pronounced when fertility is a goal. He also pointed out that dietary amounts are generally modest compared to the supplement doses used in studies. “For many patients, we encourage a food-first approach alongside broader lifestyle optimization. Supplements may be considered in specific cases, but they should always be discussed with a clinician rather than taken blindly,” he added.

It is crucial to recognize that ubiquinol is not a guaranteed solution for fertility issues. While it may support the biological processes involved in conception, it does not guarantee pregnancy. The ongoing research highlights the importance of understanding how ubiquinol can be effectively integrated into fertility strategies, especially during critical life stages.